Meade L. T. - The Girls of St. Wode's стр 13.

I cannot tell you, replied Belle, turning her eyes towards Eileen, and looking at her as if she did not see her. I have not the faintest idea what dresses I have. Mother supplies them. I put a dress on in the morning I take it off at night. Occasionally, in the excitement of my thoughts, I have been known to come down to breakfast in an evening dress. I will admit that this has attracted attention and annoyed me; so as a rule I am careful to see that it is a morning dress which I am about to wear.

But do you think evening dresses necessary at all? said Eileen in an anxious voice. We think it would be so much more useful to save our money. Marjorie and I mean to do great good in the world.

Then if you will take my advice, said Belle, jumping to her feet, you will come as soon as possible to St. Wodes. When you are there I will talk to you again. I cannot waste any more time to-day. You

will have to pass in Responsions; but doubtless that could be easily managed. Yes, when you are there I shall do my utmost to guide you. Marjorie, just let me place my finger on your brow; I shall be able to tell you in a moment whether you will be able to manage Virgil.

Marjorie submitted to this test with exemplary patience. Lettie laughed aloud.

Youll do, cried Belle. Ill just enter your name in my book. Marjorie Chetwynd comes to St. Wodes College as soon as possible. The spring term begins in a fortnight, Marjorie, so you have little time to lose. Now, Eileen, let me look at you. Yes, you also would do well; but I think perhaps your forte will be modern languages and English literature. All lighter accomplishments you will of course eschew.

Oh, please dont leave the room, said Lettie, bounding forward, until you have placed your fingers on my brow to see what I am worth. Really, this is most interesting. You are a kind of magician, Belle.

You will be one of the frivols; one of the drones of our hive, replied Belle sternly. Dont, I beg of you, come to St. Wodes.

I can only tell you this, answered Lettie, running after Belle as she was flying downstairs, if Eileen and Marjorie go I mean to accompany them.

CHAPTER VII THE FATE OF THE GIRLS

I have just examined the frontal developments of Marjories and Eileens heads, she said, speaking in a loud, rapid voice, and glancing in the direction where Mrs. Chetwynd and Mrs. Acheson were seated together on a sofa. I have examined the frontal developments of the two girls, and I am glad to tell you that they both show marked intellectuality. I have recommended them to join me at St. Wodes College, Wingfield, immediately. Will you, therefore, Mrs. Chetwynd, kindly take the necessary steps to see that this is carried out? You must write to our principal, Miss Lauderdale, asking her to give you all particulars as to the necessary steps to be taken for admission. If the girls have not already passed some public examination, they must pass Responsions. The subjects are Latin, Greek, mathematics. But if they have already passed the London Matriculation, or the Cambridge Higher Local, or the

My dear, my dear! cried Mrs. Acheson, you are positively bewildering my dear friend. What are you driving at?

I am driving at nothing, said Belle, in a voice of dignity. I am stating facts. The girls wish to enter St. Wodes. To do so they must have passed, or will have to pass, certain examinations; but the main thing is to write to Miss Lauderdale. Her address is Miss Lauderdale, Principal of St. Wodes College, Wingfield. Did you speak, Mrs. Chetwynd?

I did not, replied Mrs. Chetwynd, in an angry voice. Will you take a chair, please? Can I give you a cup of tea?

Tea? cried Belle. I never take tea, thank you; but I should like a glass of water, please, for my throat is quite dry with all the talking I have been obliged to go through. Dont you know, Mrs. Chetwynd, that tea is decidedly bad for the brain, and also for the coats of the stomach. Oh, it has a shocking effect. Our best tutors at St. Wodes never countenance tea. Coffee, strong black coffee, one is obliged to take now and then, particularly when one has to sit up at night before an exam. for honors. Coffee and a wet towel; but tea no, thank you. Will you permit me to ring for a glass of water? I was giving the girls a lecture upstairs; they have a great deal to learn.

Belle did not wait for Mrs. Chetwynds most unwilling permission. She sounded the electric bell by the fireplace, and presently the footman appeared. Water was supplied, and the young lady took a copious draught.

That is refreshing, she cried as she placed her glass on the tray. Now, then, mother, we must be off. Come, we have no more time to waste. I have promised Anne Morrison to call on her before dinner to-day; she wants me to look over some of her matriculation papers, and I must on no account fail her.

But, my dear Belle, Anne Morrison lives at the south side of London, and I am so tired, said poor Mrs. Acheson.

Dear me, mother; have not you strength enough for that much! We will take a bus at the corner and get to Norland Square in no time. Come, dont you think you have had quite as much frivolous conversation as is good for you? Now, Mrs. Chetwynd, dont forget to write. The address is Miss Lauderdale, Principal of St. Wodes College, Wingfield. Come along, mother. By-by, Mrs. Chetwynd.